Roof coating for roof waterproofing and leakage repair

A roof is one of the most important parts of a building. It protects the interior from the seasons, wind, sun, and rain. In Singapore it is crucial that the roof is a solid waterproof and UV resistant barrier between the building and the elements, and a roofing failure can lead to thousands of dollars of damage and repair or replacement work. The quality of your roofing system impacts your investment and assets. One way to protect it is with roof coating which takes care of roof waterproofing and in some case even roof leakage repair.

In Singapore, liquid coatings are the fastest growing sector of the flat roof refurbishment market. Roof coating can not only waterproof and prevent deterioration, but also improve the cost and energy efficiency of your building. In this article we will outline the different types of roof coating, which is best for your needs, and where to find the best roofing contractor in Singapore.

The roof type defines the best roof paint

The coating type you choose for a roof waterproofing project depends on the roofing material and the slope of the roof. Flat roofs and pitched roofs have different needs and there are different materials suitable for each. Windy, rainy or sunny environments all have different demands.

Flat roofs: These are the most common for commercial and industrial buildings. They are the most cost efficient roof shape because they have a smaller surface area and so need less material. The danger with flat roofs is leaking and water pooling, so the main goal in coating them is to avoid roof leak repair by creating a waterproof barrier. A roof coating on a flat roof is applied over the pre-existing membrane, usually asphalt or rubber.

Pitched roofs: These allow for shingles and tiling, meaning that water can easily drain and there is less risk of leaks. Tiling also has the benefit of allowing spot fixes, where fixing a leak may be a simple case of fixing the tile. When coating a tiled roof, the aim is to waterproof and provide UV protection for the tiles themselves, extending the life of the actual tiles.

Choose the right type of roof coating for your project

Liquid roof coatings provide a seamless, unbroken and smooth surface to any roof. They cure to a rubber-like waterproof membrane, which can be reinforced with additives or secondary materials for additional tensile strength or protective properties. Liquid roof coatings can be applied over most roof materials, including asphalt, concrete, metal, bitumen, felt, glass and more, though some may require priming. Each manufacturer and roofing contractor has their own formulation, but these are some of the basic roof coatings:

Bituminous and Modified Coating

Also known as asphalt or coal-tar pitch, bituminous coatings are highly sticky and viscous organic liquids used for waterproofing a roof. Aluminium pigments can be added for reflectivity, and the bitumen can be modified with polymers for improved physical qualities.

Pros: Versatile, can be applied to asphalt. concrete, asbestos (for encapsulation), cement or metal sheeting, and built-up felt. With aluminium can deflect UV and heat from the roof.Cons: Not as flexible as other coatings (unless modified), requires heat to cure. When modified can last 10 to 20 years. Mostly used as industrial roof paint.

Silicone Roof Paint

Inorganic, moisture-cured coatings made of liquid silicone. Silicone coatings can expand and contract with a substrate, providing thermal shock protection through temperature changes.

Pros: Highly UV resistant, elastomeric, impermeable, environmentally friendly, withstands ponding water, good weathering capabilities.Cons: The most expensive coating option, and they lose their reflectivity over time. If the roof needs recoating it must be done with silicone or the previous silicone coating must be removed completely. Not resistant to tearing.

If your project includes asbestos encapsulation, a liquid roof coating can provide you with the least difficult method of dealing with it. Attempted removal of asbestos can release the asbestosis-causing material, but with a liquid coating you can seal in the asbestos without having to disturb it, and protecting it from further interference.

Water-based Acrylic Roof Paint

This is the most cost effective liquid waterproofing system. A single component system, water-based acrylics are applied 5-10 times thicker than a house paint. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is added to make the coating more durable and reflective. The white colour reduces the temperature of the roof, reflects sunlight, and so reduces the temperature of the interior and air conditioning costs. By reducing temperature and UV radiation TiO2 also protects the roof from deterioration, increasing its life. A zinc oxide additive (ZnO) can also improve reflectivity, as well as resisting mildew and algae growth.

Pros: They are highly reflective, UV resistant, cost effective, and easy to work with.Cons: Acrylics will lose thickness due to weathering, require temperatures above 10°C for application, and typically do not perform well in water-ponding situations.

Polyurea, Polyurethane and Polymeric Coating

Roofing contractors applying polyurea roof coating on a flat roof

These coatings (also known as “cold liquid applied” roof coatings) are applied to a roof as a cold liquid, forming an elastomeric waterproof membrane. They are capable of stretching with the substrate without being damaged. Cold applied liquid coatings are rapid curing even in winter, have excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates, and are cost-effective. Especially polyurea has outstanding properties and can resist permanent standing water conditions.

Pros: Excellent tensile strength, high resistance to temperatures (-40°C to 80°C), stretch with the substrate, chemical resistant, UV resistant, more traffic and impact resistant than other coatings. Good for ponding water conditions. Can be applied on roof tiles.Cons: More expensive than acrylics, wear at the same rate as acrylics.

Commercial and industrial roofing contractors in Singapore

Given the importance of roofing to the stability of a building, it is unsurprising that roof coating services and roofing contractors are available across Singapore. There are also plenty of products available for those looking to protect their shingles from the elements. Flat roof coating, however, is a specialist application job, requiring the expertise and training of professional roofing contractors. If you would like more information, or want to be connected with one of our coating partners, contact us! Our experts are here to help. Get in touch by clicking the “Request a quote” button at the bottom of this article.

In Singapore there is a whole range of waterproof roof coatings, sealants and roof repair paints available. Whether you are looking to protect, decorate or repair your roof; there is a product to suit your needs. Keep in mind that a large roof coating job can be difficult without proper equipment, knowledge and preparation. If you are not sure, we will recommend one of our partners approved applicators to come and do it for you! Make use of our 100% free quoting service by using the “Request a quote” button at the bottom of this article.

Waterproofing roof coating product

Price (RRP)

Packaging

Roof types and materials

Nippon RoofGuard

$72.76

5L

old and new unglazed roof tiles, cement-fibre sheets, concrete- or cement-fibre pipes